AUTOMATION/SMART FACTORY u ABB ABB to invest $280 million in its


European robotics hub in Sweden ABB has announced a significant upgrade of the site in Västerås following recent investments in China and the United States


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BB has announced an investment of $280 million to expand its manufacturing footprint in Europe and


build a new state-of-the-art ABB Robotics European Campus in Västerås, Sweden. The Campus will serve as the hub for ABB Robotics’ offering in Europe, providing customers with AI-enabled collaborative and industrial robots, as well as digital solutions to support flexible automation as part of the company’s “local for local” production strategy. Replacing the existing robotics facilities at the


site, the new Campus is planned to open in late 2026.


“The investment in our new Campus is driven


by customer demand and projected market growth,” said Björn Rosengren, ABB’s chief executive. “Following important investments in China and


the US, the new facility in Sweden will strengthen our capabilities in serving our customers in Europe with locally manufactured products in a growing market. Already today, around 95% of the robots ABB sells in the region are manufactured here.


“This is a strong commitment not only to our


“local for local” strategy, but to all our robotics customers across Europe.” ABB said its investment in the Robotics Campus in Västerås will enhance its robotics and automation leadership globally. With the facility, ABB will expand production capacity by 50% and strengthen its capabilities to supply the European market, which is expected to grow at 7% CAGR through 2027.


When the campus is completed, ABB will


have invested $450 million in its three robotics facilities since 2018, including its mega factory in Shanghai that supplies customers in Asia and the


Auburn Hills facility that supports the Americas. Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics &


Discrete Automation Business Area, added: “This is a great time to invest in robotics and automation. This new Campus is a significant part of our global growth story and key in supporting our European customers as they accelerate investment in robotics and AI due to the reshoring of industry, the move to more sustainable supply chains and long-term labour shortages.


“Our Robotics Campus will help us to serve our customers more efficiently and support new and existing sectors like automotive, electronics, logistics, healthcare, e-commerce and pharmaceuticals to unlock the full potential of automation.” ABB’s new Campus will enable close collaboration with customers and partners to develop robotics and automation solutions in a safe and functional environment. Customers will be able to test their solutions and experiment


with the latest automation innovations on-site. In addition, employees, visitors, and students alike will be able to take part in an open and lively Campus, both during and after office hours. Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, said: “Our new, sustainable facility in Sweden will be located at the cradle of ABB Robotics’ global innovation, starting with ABB’s development of the world’s first commercial all-electric robot nearly 50 years ago. “In our new R&D center, we are focusing on the development of new digital and AI- enabled technologies, making robots increasingly accessible while lowering the entry barrier for applications in all industries.” The 65,000 m2


Campus will be a modern


workplace for ABB Robotics’ workforce of 1,300 in the area and include a new factory, offices, a research and development center, an experience center and a training center for customers and visitors. The new factory will also feature autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) as a key component in transporting materials and products between the warehouse, assembly stations and assembly departments. The construction is planned to start in 2024 and will replace the nine separate buildings that have grown organically since 1974 and currently constitute the robotics operations in Sweden, thus further strengthening cross-functional synergies.


By building the Campus in Västerås, ABB said it continues to consolidate the area as an automation cluster, staying in important proximity to customers, suppliers, academia, and partners.


22 October 2023 Irish Manufacturing www.irish-manufacturing.com


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